Maurizio Sarri has challenged Gonzalo Higuain to hit the ground running if he wants to earn a permanent contract at Stamford Bridge.
Higuain joined the Blues on Thursday night, completing a loan move until the end of the season.
As part of the agreement with Juventus, Chelsea have the option to extend that loan deal by a further 12 months.
This could leave the Blues with a decision to make by the end of next season as they contemplate whether or not to sign the player on a permanent basis.
Speaking about the chances of a permanent deal, as cited on football.london, Sarri said:
For sure, he is one of the best strikers in my career. It’s up to him, I think. He has to score, first of all. I think that for a long-term contract, he has to do very well. He has to play. He has to score. He has to be useful for the team.
The striker was not registered in time to face Tottenham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, but he can expect to go straight into the Chelsea starting XI once Sarri deems that he is up to speed.
Chelsea have lacked a focal point up front this season and have relied too heavily on Eden Hazard to provide the goals, something that Higuain will be looking to change.
